Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

We had our first service Sunday with 15 people attending. I preached on encouragement, how to encourage others. After the service a man came to me and said “Well pastor that was a warm sermon.” I thought that was a strange thing to say but I said “thank you but what did you mean?” He replied “ not so hot.”

I couldn't help but smile.  Maybe he didn't get what the sermon was about.

I want to thank you for your support, by your prayers, calls to encourage us, and your gifts that make it possible for us to be here to share Christ with this park.

In my reading this week was this devotional:

Grow Spiritually through Ministry
As a young boy growing up on a farm in rural Mississippi, my mom taught me to minister in simple ways. On the occasions that we would go to the small town nearby, she would always have me gather a bouquet of flowers to take to a widow, or a sick person, or just to say "thank you" for being my teacher, leader, or pastor.

This practice became a joy as people decades older than I gave a genuine smile, words of appreciation, and spoke words of encouragement into my life.

We make ministry so organized and methodical...even laborious. God blesses the acts of kindness in His name. He can use informal personal touch ministry and formal structured ministry for His glory. He wants to use you as a missionary in ministry.

Give a cup of water in His name, and go ahead, make disciples.

Matthew 28:19 - 20 (ASV) 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

We are in back in Apache Junction, Arizona. We had a great week with LaVon's family celebrating the wedding of her great-niece in Seattle, Washington. Now it is time to get to work; we start church this Sunday. Thank you for your prayers.

In my reading this week was this:

NO ENEMIES YET, PASTOR

Six-year-old George listened very attentively to his pastor’s sermon. As he and his father were leaving church he said, “Pastor, I heard you say that I should love my enemies. I’m only six and I don’t have any. But I hope to have some next year when I’m seven.”

Individuals tend to become enemies when they cannot agree on an issue or a course of action or a goal. The differences become insurmountable, positions harden and opinions become set in stone. We might well say that enemies are “made.” Unfortunately, it is easy to make them and they usually last a life time. On the other hand, friendships are formed when individuals have common likes and dislikes, goals and values. There are “common denominators” that draw them together and a sense of mutual trust.

And we read in Proverbs, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in times of need.”

Perhaps the greatest part of friendship is loyalty - standing with or along side of someone when they are enduring times of distress or disappointment, sickness or struggles that never seem to end. When there are “calm seas and gentle winds” carrying us along life’s journey, we can pretty much make it on our own.

But when the waves are crashing and the winds are howling - that’s when we discover the true meaning of friendship and loyalty. There seems to be nothing as valuable as a friend. We need to make more of them!
 
Thank you for being our friend.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to reach out and make friends with those who are our sisters and brothers in Christ so that we may grow together in loyalty and service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity."

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

We are in Apache Junction, Arizona. We told them in Monday morning meeting that Church services will begin on the 21st of October at 10:00 a.m. and are still in need of someone to play the piano and people to sing in the choir. Please, keep us in your prayers.

In my reading this morning:

AN ATTITUDE FOR GRATITUDE
          NOW OR NEVER

A soldier was assigned the responsibility of driving a senator from the airport to a military installation. Between the baggage claim area and the vehicle he noticed an elderly lady struggling to pull her
suitcase behind her. He immediately went to her rescue and pulled the suitcase until they met her waiting family. He then paused to help a young mother secure her child in a stroller. After that he
helped a man who was having a difficult time opening the door to the restroom.

Impressed, the senator asked, “How is it that you see so many people who need help and immediately go to their rescue?”
After a moment of silence he replied quietly, “During my tour of duty in Vietnam it was my job to clear minefields. I never knew if my next step would be my last. It was there that I learned to get the most out of every moment because, in life, it’s now or never.”

Paul summed it up this way: “Share each other’s troubles and problems because if you do so you will obey the law of Christ.”

We, as Christians, have a responsibility to God and to anyone we know who is faced with a difficult situation that is beyond their ability to manage. It can be as simple as opening a door or as complex as helping them through the loss of a loved one. The size of the problem does not matter to God. It is the willingness of His children to help those in need.

Prayer:
We pray, Lord, for eyes that see the needs of others, ears that hear the cries of others, a heart that is open to others and hands that are willing to help others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
 
LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

We are in Apache Junction, Az.  I can say we are already at work:  had a Monday morning park meeting and a hospital and home visit already. Thanks for your prayers as we traveled and for your continuing support and prayers. This season is going to be a challenge.

In my reading this morning was this that I would like to share with you:

AN ATTITUDE FOR GRATITUDE

James and his grandmother were having a wonderful day at the beach. The wind was gentle, the sun warm and the crowd friendly. It was a delight for her to watch James as he splashed in the waves not far from where she was relaxing. Suddenly a large wave came crashing over James and pulled him into the water and out of her sight. In fear and anguish she shouted, "Oh, God, I'll do anything You ever ask me if You will only save my grandson and return him safely to shore. Please God - help me."

The very next wave brought James back to shore safely, but a bit frightened. Standing up and walking toward him, his grandmother gave a sigh of relief knowing he was safe. Then she put her hands on her hips and said,

"O.K. God. What happened to his hat?"

Paul wrote,

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

It seems to be much easier to "devote ourselves to prayer" than to "devote ourselves to a thankful heart." Giving thanks to someone means we are indebted to them for something.

Our God is a gracious and giving God and all that we have is the result of His goodness and grace. He stands before us with outstretched arms and open hands waiting to draw us close to Himself to protect us and provide for our every need, beginning with our salvation. Yet, too often we fail to be grateful!

Prayer:

Forgive us, Heavenly Father, if we have been forgetful in expressing our gratitude to You for all You have done for us. May our thankfulness be equal to Your gifts. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today:

Colossians 4:2  Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday’s Coming

Good Morning,

We are just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. It rained last night and may rain today, as well. I think we will stay put a few days and enjoy.

In my reading this morning was this:

The Tip

By Leslie Snyder

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Consider the following story:

Years ago, a 10-year old boy approached the counter of a soda shop and climbed onto a stool. “What does an ice cream sundae cost?” he asked the waitress.

“Fifty cents,” she answered.

The youngster reached deep in his pockets and pulled out an assortment of change, counting it carefully as the waitress grew impatient. She had “bigger” customers to wait on.

“Well, how much would just plain ice cream be?” the boy asked.

The waitress responded with noticeable irritation in her voice, “Thirty-five cents.”

Again, the boy slowly counted his money. “May I have some plain ice cream in a dish then, please?” He gave the waitress the correct amount, and she brought him the ice cream.

Later, the waitress returned to clear the boy’s dish and when she picked it up, she felt a lump form in her throat. There on the counter the boy had left two nickels and five pennies. She realized that he had had enough money for the sundae, but sacrificed it so that he could leave her a tip.

A generous heart is a rare gift indeed. How often is it easier to hold on to what we think we need instead of remembering to be generous? The child in the story above could easily justify buying a sundae, running over with his favorite toppings and topped with frothy whipped cream and a cherry. After all, he’s just a kid. Nobody expects him to leave a tip. But somewhere, someone taught him to think not only of himself, but of others, and to show that thoughtfulness in a tangible way. Generous living invites those around us to pause long enough to notice something different. It is the way of the believer and it is the way of Christ.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

PS.. Don’t miss the post “In Response, below.”

In response….

… to last week’s Sunday’s Coming, LaVon received an email from her cousin in Texas.  What a blessing and encouragement this was to us and we pray it will encourage you, as well.

LaVon,

As I was reading Don's message in Sunday's Coming this morning, it reminded me of a simple thing that happened to me about 20 years ago, but I will never forget it because it impressed on me the same message Don was telling us.

As a country girl that had never experienced a true 'big city' environment, when I had to leave this small town and go to work in downtown Dallas, it was more traumatizing than I expected (or showed to anybody else).  I would spend most of my lunchtimes eating my sandwich at Thanksgiving Square which, even though in the heart of downtown, was set in a small valley surrounded by waterfalls, grass & trees, birds chirping, and a chapel at one end.  It also had Bible verses carved into the high walls that surrounded the 'valley'.  The 'valley', walls, and waterfalls shut out all the sounds of the city traffic.  It gave me peace to be there.

On the days that weather or time constraints did not permit me to go there, I would sit in a corner of a small waiting area outside in the hall next to the elevators.  People would come and go, but didn't bother you.  What I haven't mentioned yet was that I almost always had my Bible with me and would read while I was there.  This was part of the peace I mentioned earlier.

Among the approximately 300-400 people that worked in the same area, I knew the people who worked in my immediate group, but few of the others.  One day I was sitting in my cubicle and a complete stranger came in.  She said, "Some of us were discussing something from the Bible and couldn't agree on it and we knew that you had your Bible with you and were wondering if you would mind if we borrowed it for a few minutes?"  Of course, I gave it to them.  After that, there were a couple of other times when people I didn't know would ask to borrow my Bible for a while.

The point is ... I felt alone, a stranger in a strange place, wondering why I had ended up having to come to that place.  I was so touched by the fact that complete strangers had thought about me, sought me out when they needed the word of God, by having simply seen me reading my Bible. 

Over the next ten years, I had other opportunities to witness to people who had life problems that were so much more difficult than anything I could imagine.  The saddest was a young man who came to talk to me because he couldn't talk to anyone else at work.  He was leaving to go back home to his family ... he was dying of AIDS.  I held his hands, we cried together, and we prayed together.  Maybe I made a difference in their lives, maybe I didn't.  But had I not been there, I like to think that there are some people that would have had a more difficult time in that part of their lives.

Don's message is so true .... you never know who you may touch, no matter how small or how much.  We are all a witness to others of what we believe, or don't believe.  And, when God puts you somewhere or in some situation that makes you wonder 'why?', if we put ourselves in His hands, we have nothing to fear.

God Bless You Both!

I love you,

Jan

[Printed with permission.  Thank you, Jan.  We love you.]

Sunday’s Coming

Good Morning,

We are just outside Colorado Springs.  The evenings are cool but we are still having trouble breathing in this altitude. Pray for us.

In my reading this morning was this, by A Word for You Today:

“What you say can mean life or death.” Proverbs 18:21 NCV

To honor her students, a teacher gave each a ribbon that stated, “Who I am makes a difference,” and asked them to pass it along to someone who’d made a difference in their lives. One kid gave his to a young executive who helped him plan his career. He in turn gave it to his boss, who was hard to get along with. He told him how much he’d been influenced by his creativity, and asked him to give the ribbon to somebody he admired. That night the boss told his fourteen-year-old son, “I’ve thought about who I want to honor—and it’s you. My days are hectic, and I’m always complaining about your grades and your messy bedroom. Tonight I want to let you know the difference you’ve made in my life. Besides your mother, you’re the most important person I know, and I love you.”

Fighting back tears, the boy replied, “Earlier today I wrote a letter explaining why I’d taken my life, and asking you to forgive me. I was going to do it when everybody was asleep. I didn’t think you’d care. I guess I won’t need the letter now.”

Upstairs in his son’s room the father found the anguish-filled note beside a loaded gun.

God can help you to “speak a word in season to him who is weary” (Isa 50:4 NKJV). Words change lives: “What you say can mean life or death.” So go out of your way today to speak words of encouragement to somebody you don’t normally think about. “A word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23 AMP).

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don